Should I adopt this adorable Maine Coon? Input appreciated! :)

tnyc · Nov 3, 2013

Hi all,

So I look at shelter sites frequently for fun but I've never been as tempted as this.

She looks like a straight-up Maine Coon, or at least half, right? What do you think? I am very tempted to get her, BUT:

A) I know nothing about Maine Coons and I'm afraid she might eat too much for me to afford and

B) I don't need another cat right now

C-13-302_2.jpg

tnyc
Nov 3, 2013
1

Winchester · Nov 3, 2013

If you don't need another cat right now, then no....don't even think about taking another cat into your life. She's gorgeous. But don't do it.

tnyc · Nov 3, 2013

Winchester said:
If you don't need another cat right now, then no....don't even think about taking another cat into your life. She's gorgeous. But don't do it.

What I meant was, I don't NEED one, not that I cannot take care of one... but then again who NEEDS one

tnyc · Nov 3, 2013

I guess I'm just really hoping someone with Maine Coon experience could chime in about how great/<insert adjective>/etc. they are!

stewball · Nov 3, 2013

I would imagine they're like any other cat. You could Google it to read about this cat although he's not pure. You sound like you really want him so get him. He probably doesn't eat anymore or less than the cats you have now.

mservant · Nov 3, 2013

I just know they tend to get really big but I don;t know if they eat more, or if the breed is prone to any health issues. I think doing a web search like Stewball suggests is a good idea, as well as seeing what advice you can get from people who have Main Coones or MC mixes on here.

Certainly looks fluffy!

margecat · Nov 3, 2013

I've had 1 pure-bred, and 3 mixed ones. They are the most wonderful breed, IMHO! Healthy, sturdy, intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and beautiful. The coat requires minimal maintenance, unlike Persians. Mine never really ate more than the other cats, despite their size.

She's a cutie!

(Ok, Sarah Jane--get off the keyboard, and stop licking my fingers!)

catpack · Nov 3, 2013

Just as with any cat, temperament is going to vary from Maine Coon to Maine Coon. As will health issues.

The most common health issues for Maine Coons are hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy.

I have 3 mixes (1 is currently a foster) and we have had 2 other mixes come through the rescue. All 3 of mine have food allergies/intolerances (Lucky: Pork, Grain, Gluten; Max: Beef and Rabbit; Simba: Chicken and Venison) and Max has hip dysplasia. Lucky also has an autoimmune disease that causes swelling/cracking in one of his paw pads (never can remember the name) and Simba has chronic herpes (with retinal degeneration) and suspected stomatitis that is currently being kept in check. We also thought Simba had cardiomyopathy as a kitten...luckily his tests came back normal. Lucky is 15, Max is 2, Simba is 1.

I would suggest you go spend some time with this kitten and do a general gage of health for yourself. Obviously, this is not a guarantee of health; but, you can see if there are any obvious problems (awkward gait when walking, gets out of breath quickly when playing, goopy eyes, etc...) Plus, you can see if his personality would be a good fit for you and your other kitties!

peaches08 · Nov 3, 2013

CatPack, is the autoimmune disease called pemphigus? I had a horse with pemphigus; I'm familiar with that frustration!

If food is a concern, then medical bills might be a concern. But, that's not why we acquire more than 1 cat. Well, within reason...

catpack · Nov 3, 2013

Hi Peaches, I look the condition up and it is called "plasmacytic pododermatitis."

djoe · Nov 3, 2013

How many cats do you already have?

I have been thinking my cat is a Persian, but after 13 years (ashes on my head) I realized she is actually a maine coon. She is not low maintenance. She requires grooming, but is more or less independent. She is territorial and possessive. She is not very playful but cuddling. She recently had a major health issue but that is not due to her breed (it is something else that would have happened to any cat). Her food consumption is nothing off the charts... she looks big but if you count the furr off, she is fit and slim - thick bones though.

Nevertheless. If you think you cannot afford another cat, I always advise against getting one. it is traumatizing for both you and the cat, if you ever have to get her to a vet but it is a bad month and can't afford it.... and ofc, even more if you have to abandon one cat because the cost is getting too much...

tnyc · Nov 4, 2013

CatPack said:
Just as with any cat, temperament is going to vary from Maine Coon to Maine Coon. As will health issues.

The most common health issues for Maine Coons are hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy.

I have 3 mixes (1 is currently a foster) and we have had 2 other mixes come through the rescue. All 3 of mine have food allergies/intolerances (Lucky: Pork, Grain, Gluten; Max: Beef and Rabbit; Simba: Chicken and Venison) and Max has hip dysplasia. Lucky also has an autoimmune disease that causes swelling/cracking in one of his paw pads (never can remember the name) and Simba has chronic herpes (with retinal degeneration) and suspected stomatitis that is currently being kept in check. We also thought Simba had cardiomyopathy as a kitten...luckily his tests came back normal. Lucky is 15, Max is 2, Simba is 1.

I would suggest you go spend some time with this kitten and do a general gage of health for yourself. Obviously, this is not a guarantee of health; but, you can see if there are any obvious problems (awkward gait when walking, gets out of breath quickly when playing, goopy eyes, etc...) Plus, you can see if his personality would be a good fit for you and your other kitties!

Thank you, this is EXACTLY the kind of info I was hoping to hear. Very sorry about your kitties health issues though. Food allergies sounds very tough. I don't know if I could handle that.

Thank you thank you!

tnyc · Nov 4, 2013

djoe said:
How many cats do you already have?

I have been thinking my cat is a Persian, but after 13 years (ashes on my head) I realized she is actually a maine coon. She is not low maintenance. She requires grooming, but is more or less independent. She is territorial and possessive. She is not very playful but cuddling. She recently had a major health issue but that is not due to her breed (it is something else that would have happened to any cat). Her food consumption is nothing off the charts... she looks big but if you count the furr off, she is fit and slim - thick bones though.

Nevertheless. If you think you cannot afford another cat, I always advise against getting one. it is traumatizing for both you and the cat, if you ever have to get her to a vet but it is a bad month and can't afford it.... and ofc, even more if you have to abandon one cat because the cost is getting too much...

Thank you for the tip. I always wondered if they were just big boned and furry, or if they are truly bigger animals!

I can afford her, but I don't want to have too many cats. I have 2 now and also foster. I just am trying to be careful, I don't want to wake up one day and realize I have 30. You know?

djoe · Nov 4, 2013

I get what you mean.
If you can accord it and is able to commit then why not... but given that you are hesitating, one thing I do is to visualise that you dis not get her, will you continue ti think about her and wish she was part of the family? Yiu know, you need to ask yourself if you think you have bonded.

She looks adorable by the way!

mservant · Nov 4, 2013

I agree with djoe: now you have a bit more information and can think around stuff, if you imagine not having her in your home then how does it feel and will you always wonder what it would be like/who else might have her, and if you have bonded, is she being cared for lovingly by someone else?

dejolane · Nov 4, 2013

By all means !!!!!!!! so cute

stewball · Nov 5, 2013

peaches08 said:
CatPack, is the autoimmune disease called pemphigus? I had a horse with pemphigus; I'm familiar with that frustration!

If food is a concern, then medical bills might be a concern. But, that's not why we acquire more than 1 cat. Well, within reason...

I'd love more than my 2 cats and if I lived alone I probably would have. My ex lives here, due to financial problems - his. We had a very amicable divorce and he left me the apt. However he does the litter box and I think he'd not be too happy with more. These 2 share the box. In fact a few days ago whisky was in the litter box doing his business and suddenly blighty went in to also perform. Has anyone heard of this before. I found it very strange and whisky didn't seem to mind except he didn't clean up after himself as well as he usually does. Comments would be helpful.
I still say get the kitty. I had a dog with hip displacia? But it was very mild. He was a big dog and he and lotto loved each other. Lotto pined so much when he died he made himself ill. That was scary the thought if losing both in one month. Took the vet 10 days to pull him through. He went on to live to 18-1/2.
Also if I got another kitty I don't know how these 2 would react they are so close. Sorry for babbling.

djoe · Nov 5, 2013

With the white on her neck and legs, she looks like a fancy lady wearing snow boots and a big furry scarf. But she has the look of a tom boy jn her eyes.

Very cute

stewball · Nov 5, 2013

Don't dawdle. By the time you decide someone else may have adopted him.

molldee · Nov 5, 2013

I have two Maine Coon mixes - they are the BEST cats! Gentle giants! The boy, Buddha, is 18lbs but he is very long and lean. He could lose a little weight but he doesn't look it. When he lays stretched out on my body, he practically covers me (I'm five foot). He is all black and short hair and doesn't look like the typical Maine Coon but his sister is an exact replica. Lots of fur, cute tufts of fur on her paws, bushy tail, hairy face. She is so sweet and loving. Both of them follow me everywhere even to the bathroom! They are both very curious and love playing with water. Buddha loves to play fetch with his mouse.

If you're gonna get a Maine Coon, be prepared for how interactive and energetic they are. Somewhat clingy too. They are fun loving and very playful! And very loyal.

Should I adopt this adorable Maine Coon? Input appreciated! :)

TCS Member

Thread starter

In the kitchen with my cookies

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

The Mouse servant

Mentor

TCS Veteran

TCS Member

TCS Veteran

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

The Mouse servant

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member